Surviving the last chapter without children

 This article will interest more people than we expect.  There are more childless older adults out there than we know.  I'm one of them.  I can think of 10-12 others right off the top of my head.  

This is not a pronouncement about what a "chapter" is, or how long a chapter is.  But, I feel I just started Chapter 3 at age 60.  Chapter 1 being age 0 to 30.  Chapter 2 being 30 to 60.  And Chapter 3 being age 60 to 90.  Anything beyond that are purely bonus chapters.  

When you don't have children, it can start to weigh on your mind at just how lonely you have the potential to be as you continue to age.  You could have dozens of nieces and nephews, but if they're anything like mine, you are already being treated like so much furniture....not a beloved family member.  In my family growing up, the elders were treated very special...we were reminded to call them to keep in touch. Many of the elder family members were oscar winning performers at dishing out the guilt if you hadn't come for a visit in a while.  We wouldn't DARE do that to the young family members now.  Or god-forbid ask them to help you with something.  That's another thing I'd never do.  I'd rather pay to have it done than to ask younger family members for help.

RANT.... moving on.  

My purpose in bringing all of this up is that we who are childless need to plan NOW for filling in the gaps coming in our direction.  I'm not talking about running out and adopting a child, no way.  I'm suggesting we start becoming joiners.  I for one have not been a joiner.  I'm not a volunteer anywhere, or on a committee, or on a board of directors etc.